Hong Kong as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hub: Closer Cooperation Between Hong Kong and Guangdong on Medical Services and Developments
Close exchange and cooperation on healthcare services between Hong Kong and Guangdong have been in place for many years. Governments of the two places have joined hands in the areas of information dissemination for infectious disease, timely response and recovery plans for contingencies, scientific research cooperation, as well as the exchange and collaboration of medical professionals. Recently a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed by the health authorities from the two places. Also discussions have been held to strengthen the collaboration in Chinese Medicine (CM) development.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HKHA) and Department of Health of Guangdong Province (DHGP) was held on 13 September 2007 in Guangzhou. Chairman of Hospital Authority Board Mr. Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, JP and Chief Executive Mr. Shane Solomon represented HKHA while Mr. Yao Zhi-bin, Director General of DHGP led the Guangdong side at the ceremony.
The implementation of the MOU will further formalize Hong Kong-Guangdong collaboration and enhance its effectiveness in various areas, including top-level communication, medical specialists training, inter-institution referral mechanism and information exchange network. This, in turn, will help improve the quality and safety of healthcare service to meet the increasing public expectations and demands in the two places. With the support of Hong Kong Hospital Authority, 122 nurses from Guangdong Province have already been nominated to take part in specialty trainings in Hong Kong.
In addition, senior health officials from Hong Kong and Guangdong Province met on 22 September 2007 in Guangzhou to discuss the future development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Led by Director of Health Dr P Y Lam, the Hong Kong delegation consisting of eight government officials was briefed by Mr. Peng Wei, Deputy Director General of DHGP and Director of Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Guangdong Province on the recent development of TCM in Guangdong, which was one of the priority projects undertaken by the provincial government. Officials from both sides agreed that Hong Kong needs to collaborate with mainland in developing itself as the hub of TCM. The partnership will not only enhance the competitive edge of both sides, it will also allow Guangdong to capitalize on Hong Kongˇ¦s unique expertise in promoting TCM and expediting its integration with the international market.
At the meeting, officials exchanged views on cooperation in hospital management, including the establishment of information management system, quality control, risk management, training and personnel exchange. The cooperation also covered the area of TCM trading, distance-learning and other cultural activities. Officials recognized the close and longstanding ties between the two places and their potential to become the centre of TCM development. Taking the opportunity, Dr Lam and the delegation also visited the Guangdong Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Clifford Hospital.
Sources:
Xinhua News Agency
www.takungpao.com
www.gdwst.gov.cn
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